What our mastering deliverable is
Mastering at Mushyvanta is the last neutral pass before release: tonal balance, dynamics, sequencing and exports pressing plants and aggregators accept. We work in a treated room in Amsterdam-West, separate from the mix session where small issues can hide.
The base rate €89 per digital track incl. VAT covers a stereo master and common variants. EP packages up to six songs: €249. Process detail is on mastering; mix prep on understand mix pricing.
Digital stereo master (WAV)
By default we deliver PCM WAV without unnecessary dither: usually 24-bit, 44.1 kHz for CD-aligned releases or 48 kHz for video/broadcast targets. Filenames include title and version (MSTR, instrumental when ordered).
We do not ship MP3 alone as a master source — streaming services encode from lossless uploads. Keep your WAV untouched as archive; re-encoding from MP3 adds artefacts. Our project archive lasts 12 months; export yourself if you continue later.
Loudness and streaming
Spotify, Apple Music and others normalize playback. We master to genre-appropriate loudness without flattening the mix. Heavy brickwall limiting tires quickly on earbuds on the tram (see Tram 13 stop Bellamyplein (5-minute walk). Bus 22 stop Bilderdijkstraat. From Amsterdam Centraal about 15 minutes on tram 13 towards Amsterdam Sloterdijk.).
Send commercial references at intake if you want a ceiling benchmark — not only a random playlist. Attended listening can be booked; rates are separate from vocal recording hours but scheduling runs through contact.
DDP for CD replication
CD plants often want a DDP image: one package with audio, PQ list, ISRC metadata and gaps. We can author DDP when you supply sequence, ISRCs and any hidden-track timing.
Proof titles and order before we seal the image; changes afterward are a new mastering or authoring pass. No ISRC yet? Register through the usual NL/EU routes before manufacturing; we embed codes you provide, we do not invent rights.
Vinyl premaster
Vinyl needs different EQ and dynamics: tame extreme bass mono risk, careful highs toward the inner groove. We deliver a dedicated vinyl premaster WAV when ordered upfront; pricing depends on complexity and QC time beyond digital €89.
Send plant specs (RPM, diameter, preferred format). Test-pressing feedback can fit agreed revisions — see terms and conditions. Manufacturing is yours; we supply files.
Instrumentals, stems and MFiT
Need instrumental or clean TV mixes? Flag at mastering so edits stay consistent with the album master. Post-master stems are rare; arrange stem mixes earlier in mixing.
Apple Digital Masters sometimes needs specific resample and metadata; say if your aggregator expects MFiT. We add files when required. Podcast loudness targets differ from music singles — see podcast rights and releases.
Delivery and data handling
Files go out via encrypted download or USB; large EPs use clear folder naming and a short readme. State delivery preference in the contact form.
Personal data in metadata falls under privacy policy. Commercial exploitation stays your responsibility; mastering does not transfer copyright. Usage questions: disclaimer and legal notice.
Pre-master checklist
- Final mix without a limiter destroying dynamics; leave headroom.
- Sequence, spelling and ISRC per song.
- Target: streaming, CD, vinyl or mix.
- References and known issues (clicks, width, dry vocal).
- One approver for fast sign-off — 2 revision rounds included.
Send mixes at least 48 hours before deadline when you can; rush jobs depend on capacity. Call 020 244 8916 during Tue–Sat 10–22 for urgent slots.
